Yamba (NSW)

An assessment of population growth drivers in Yamba reveals an overall ranking slightly below national averages considering recent, and medium term trends

As of May 2026, the estimated population of the suburb of Yamba (NSW) is around 7,317, reflecting a 912 person increase since the 2021 Census. This growth represents a 14.2% rise from the previous figure of 6,405 people. The change is inferred from AreaSearch's estimate of 7,188 residents based on their examination of the latest ERP data release by the ABS in June 2025, along with an additional 807 validated new addresses since the Census date. This population level equates to a density ratio of 433 persons per square kilometer. Yamba's growth exceeded both its SA4 region (4.6%) and the Rest of NSW, marking it as a growth leader in the area. Interstate migration contributed approximately 72.0% of overall population gains during recent periods.

AreaSearch is adopting ABS/Geoscience Australia projections for each SA2 area, released in 2024 with 2022 as the base year, and NSW State Government's SA2 level projections for areas not covered by this data, released in 2022 with 2021 as the base year. Growth rates by age group from these aggregations are applied to all areas for years 2032 to 2041. According to population projections, a median increase of regional areas across the nation is expected for Yamba, with an anticipated growth of 872 persons to 2041, reflecting a total gain of 10.2% over these 16 years.

AreaSearch assessment of residential development activity positions Yamba among the top 25% of areas assessed nationwide

Yamba saw around 92 new homes approved annually based on AreaSearch analysis of ABS building approval numbers. Approximately 460 homes were approved between FY-21 and FY-25, with another 143 approved so far in FY-26. On average, about one person moved to the area for each dwelling built over these five years.

This indicates that new supply is meeting or exceeding demand, providing ample buyer choice and capacity for population growth beyond current forecasts. The average expected construction cost of new dwellings was $513,000, suggesting a focus on the premium segment with upmarket properties.

In FY-26, there have been $3.3 million in commercial development approvals recorded, indicating limited focus on commercial development. Recent construction comprises 89.0% detached houses and 11.0% attached dwellings, maintaining Yamba's traditional low density character with a focus on family homes. With around 42 people per dwelling approval, Yamba exhibits characteristics of a growth area. According to the latest AreaSearch quarterly estimate, Yamba is projected to gain 743 residents by 2041. At current development rates, new housing supply should comfortably meet demand, offering good conditions for buyers and potentially supporting growth beyond current population projections.

Yamba has strong levels of nearby infrastructure activity, ranking in the top 40% nationally

Changes to local infrastructure significantly influence an area's performance. AreaSearch identified 24 projects likely to impact the area. Key projects include West Yamba Shopping Centre, Yamba Heights Residential Subdivision, Yamba Quays Canal Estate Development, and Yamba Sewerage Treatment Plant Upgrade. The following list details those most relevant.

Professional plan users can use the search below to filter and access additional projects.

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Yamba ranks among the top 25% of areas assessed nationally for overall employment performance

Yamba has a skilled workforce with well-represented essential services sectors. Its unemployment rate is 2.1%, having seen an estimated employment growth of 5.6% in the past year (AreaSearch data). As of December 2025, 2,706 residents are employed, with an unemployment rate of 1.8% below Regional NSW's rate of 3.9%.

Workforce participation is lower at 44.4%, compared to Regional NSW's 60.5%. According to Census responses, 15.3% of residents work from home. Leading employment industries are accommodation & food, health care & social assistance, and retail trade. The area has a high specialization in accommodation & food (2.1 times the regional level) but low employment in agriculture, forestry & fishing (2.7%, compared to Regional NSW's 5.3%).

Employment levels increased by 5.6% and labour force by 5.2% during the year to December 2025, reducing unemployment by 0.3 percentage points. In contrast, Regional NSW saw employment decline of 1.2% and labour force decline of 0.8%, with a rise in unemployment of 0.4 percentage points. National employment forecasts (May-25) suggest Yamba's employment could increase by 6.4% over five years and 13.3% over ten years, based on industry-specific projections applied to the local employment mix.

Income metrics place the area in the bottom 10% of locations nationally according to AreaSearch analysis

AreaSearch's latest postcode level ATO data for financial year 2023 shows that income in Yamba is below the national average. The median income is $41,409 while the average income stands at $53,581. This contrasts with Regional NSW's figures of a median income of $52,390 and an average income of $65,215. Based on Wage Price Index growth of 10.32% since financial year 2023, current estimates for Yamba would be approximately $45,682 (median) and $59,111 (average) as of March 2026. From the 2021 Census, household, family and personal incomes in Yamba all fall between the 7th and 12th percentiles nationally. Income brackets indicate that 29.5% of the community earns between $800 - 1,499 (2,158 individuals), differing from patterns across the broader area where $1,500 - 2,999 dominates with 29.9%. Housing affordability pressures are severe in Yamba, with only 83.5% of income remaining after housing costs, ranking at the 9th percentile nationally. The area's SEIFA income ranking places it in the 4th decile.

Yamba is characterized by a predominantly suburban housing profile, with above-average rates of outright home ownership

Yamba's dwelling structures, as per the latest Census, consisted of 75.5% houses and 24.5% other dwellings (semi-detached, apartments, 'other' dwellings). This compares to Regional NSW's 82.6% houses and 17.4% other dwellings. Home ownership in Yamba was at 53.3%, with mortgaged dwellings at 18.4% and rented ones at 28.3%. The median monthly mortgage repayment in Yamba was $1,630, below Regional NSW's average of $1,733. Median weekly rent in Yamba was recorded at $400, compared to Regional NSW's $330. Nationally, Yamba's mortgage repayments were lower than the Australian average of $1,863, while rents exceeded the national figure of $375.

Yamba features high concentrations of lone person households, with a lower-than-average median household size

Family households compose 65.4% of all households, including 16.6% couples with children, 38.7% couples without children, and 9.4% single parent families. Non-family households constitute the remaining 34.6%, with lone person households at 31.5% and group households comprising 3.1%. The median household size is 2.1 people, smaller than Regional NSW's average of 2.4.

Educational attainment in Yamba aligns closely with national averages, showing typical qualification patterns and performance metrics

The area's university qualification rate is 19.8%, significantly lower than NSW's average of 32.2%. Bachelor degrees are the most common at 14.1%, followed by postgraduate qualifications (3.3%) and graduate diplomas (2.4%). Vocational credentials are prevalent, with 39.5% of residents aged 15+ holding them - advanced diplomas at 11.3% and certificates at 28.2%. A total of 21.8% of the population is actively engaged in formal education, including 8.7% in primary, 5.5% in secondary, and 2.1% in tertiary education.

A substantial 21.8% of the population actively pursues formal education. This includes 8.7% in primary education, 5.5% in secondary education, and 2.1% pursuing tertiary education.

Transport servicing is low compared to other areas nationally based on assessment of service frequency, route connectivity and accessibility

Yamba has 42 active public transport stops, a mix of ferry and bus services. These stops are served by 29 routes, offering 348 weekly passenger trips in total. Transport accessibility is good, with residents typically living 258 meters from the nearest stop. Most residents commute outward daily. Car is the dominant mode at 87%, with walking at 9% and cycling at 3%. Average vehicle ownership per dwelling is 1.1, below the regional average.

According to the 2021 Census, 15.3% of residents work from home, possibly due to COVID-19 conditions. Service frequency averages 49 trips per day across all routes, resulting in approximately 8 weekly trips per stop.

Health outcomes in Yamba are marginally below the national average with common health conditions somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts

Health indicators suggest below-average health outcomes in Yamba. AreaSearch's assessment of mortality rates and chronic condition prevalence shows common health conditions are somewhat prevalent across both younger and older age cohorts. The rate of private health cover is very low at approximately 48% of the total population (~3,525 people), compared to 51.9% in Regional NSW and the national average of 55.7%.

The most common medical conditions are arthritis (impacting 14.1%) and mental health issues (7.8%). 57.6% of residents declare themselves completely clear of medical ailments, compared to 63.3% across Regional NSW. Working-age residents show above average prevalence of chronic health conditions. The area has 37.7% of residents aged 65 and over (2,758 people), higher than the 23.4% in Regional NSW. Health outcomes among seniors present some challenges, with national rankings broadly in line with the general population.

Yamba is considerably less culturally diverse than average when assessed alongside AreaSearch's national rankings for language and cultural background related metrics

Yamba had a cultural diversity level below average, with 86.8% of its population born in Australia, 90.5% being citizens, and 96.4% speaking English only at home. The predominant religion was Christianity, comprising 54.4% of Yamba's population, compared to 55.9% across Regional NSW. The top three ancestry groups were English (33.7%), Australian (29.1%), and Irish (10.2%).

Notably, Scottish ancestry was overrepresented at 9.8%, Welsh at 0.7%, and Australian Aboriginal at 3.4%.

Yamba ranks among the oldest 10% of areas nationwide

The median age in Yamba is 56 years, notably exceeding Regional NSW's average of 43 years and significantly higher than Australia's median age of 38 years. The 65-74 age group shows strong representation at 19.1% compared to Regional NSW, while the 25-34 cohort is less prevalent at 7.6%. This concentration in the 65-74 age group is well above the national average of 9.4%. According to the 2021 Census, the 15 to 24 age group has grown from 7.4% to 8.7%, and the 35 to 44 cohort increased from 9.3% to 10.4%. Conversely, the 55 to 64 cohort has declined from 14.9% to 13.3%. Looking ahead to 2041, demographic projections reveal significant shifts in Yamba's age structure. The 85+ cohort shows the strongest projected growth at 64%, adding 225 residents to reach 577. On the other hand, numbers in the 65 to 74 age range are expected to fall by approximately 3%.